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ICD-10 Coding for Right Knee Sprain(S83.511A, S83.521A)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Right Knee Sprain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Right Knee Ligament InjuryRight Knee ACL SprainRight Knee PCL Sprainknee ligament injuryacl tearmcl sprain

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Right Knee Sprain

S83.5Primary Range

Sprain and strain of joints and ligaments of knee

This range includes specific codes for sprains of different ligaments in the knee, such as ACL and PCL.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S83.511ASprain of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of ACL sprain confirmed by clinical exam and imaging.
  • MRI showing ACL discontinuity or edema
  • Positive Lachman test
S83.521ASprain of posterior cruciate ligament of right knee, initial encounterUse for initial encounter of PCL sprain confirmed by clinical exam.
  • Posterior drawer test positive
  • Dashboard injury mechanism

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for right knee sprain

Essential facts and insights about Right Knee Sprain

The ICD-10 code for a right knee sprain, specifically an ACL sprain, is S83.511A for the initial encounter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for right knee sprain

Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • MRI confirms ACL injury

documentation Criteria

  • Initial encounter documented

Applicable To

  • ACL sprain

Excludes

  • Chronic instability of knee (M23.5-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • MRI showing ACL discontinuity or edema
  • Positive Lachman test

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with unspecified ligament codes
  • Incorrect encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the ligament and encounter type.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Pain in right knee

M25.561
Use as secondary code if pain persists post-treatment.

Encounter for orthopedic screening

Z00.6
Use for follow-up evaluations.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Sprain of unspecified cruciate ligament of right knee, initial encounter

S83.519A
Use when specific ligament is not identified.

Sprain of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee, initial encounter

S83.511A
Differentiate by specific ligament tests and injury mechanism.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Right Knee Sprain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S83.511A.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts continuity of care documentation., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document whether the encounter is initial, subsequent, or sequela., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider for specific ligament involved if not documented.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified ligament codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation specifies the ligament involved.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Right Knee Sprain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Right Knee Sprain

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Right Knee Sprain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Initial encounter for ACL sprain

Specialty: Orthopedics

Required Elements

  • Mechanism of injury
  • Clinical exam findings
  • Imaging results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with right knee instability after pivoting injury. Lachman test positive. MRI shows partial ACL tear. Plan: brace and physical therapy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Right knee sprain.
Good Documentation Example
Right knee ACL sprain confirmed by MRI, initial encounter.
Explanation
The good example specifies the ligament and encounter type, improving coding accuracy.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Right Knee Sprain? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

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